Jean Giraud Obituary

PARIS (AP) - French comics artist Jean Giraud, known by fans from Hollywood to Japan as Moebius and the creator of unsettling, eye-opening fantasy worlds in print and on film, has died at 73.

Publishing house Dargaud announced the death in a statement and hailed "one of the greatest artists of world comic art." France's Europe-1 radio said he died Saturday after a long illness, according to his family, but no other details were announced.

Giraud worked on several Hollywood films including "Alien," ''Tron" and "The Fifth Element" and was a co-founder of U.S. comics magazine Heavy Metal in 1975.

Born in 1938, he first found success with the "Blueberry" western series in France in the 1960s before moving into science fiction. He worked under his real name as well as the pseudonym Gir but was best known as Moebius. He won several awards through his career.

PARIS (AP) - French comics artist Jean Giraud, known by fans from Hollywood to Japan as Moebius and the creator of unsettling, eye-opening fantasy worlds in print and on film, has died at 73.

Publishing house Dargaud announced the death in a statement and hailed "one of the greatest artists of world comic art." France's Europe-1 radio said he died Saturday after a long illness, according to his family, but no other details were announced.

Giraud worked on several Hollywood films including "Alien," ''Tron" and "The Fifth Element" and was a co-founder of U.S. comics magazine Heavy Metal in 1975.

Born in 1938, he first found success with the "Blueberry" western series in France in the 1960s before moving into science fiction. He worked under his real name as well as the pseudonym Gir but was best known as Moebius. He won several awards through his career.

Guest Book Highlights

"I extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Jean Giraud. He has been my favorite artist and story teller for years. I will miss him greatly."- Shawn Hayden (Pompano Beach, FL)

"May the GOD of comfort gives you peace." (PA)

"To the the family of Jean Giraud - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many." (ID)

"Please accept our deepest sympathy, our lives are precious to our Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ himself said at (John 5:28): "Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice (Jesus) and..."- The Lewis Family (GA)

"My deepest sympathy to the Giraud family. You have experienced a terrible loss. Jean was a great man who was loved by others. Please find comfort in the God of all comfort. He knows how you feel and he cares for you. Put faith in him." (Charlotte, NC)